Outline issues in the classroom that may affect ethnic differences in educational achievement

Young people at school are often subject to ethnic 'labelling' by teachers, which tends to view white male students as archetypal 'achievers' at the expense of other groups. Young white males who work hard and get good marks are more likely to be considered 'talented' and as having socially prestigious future prospects by teachers than Asian girls achieving at similar levels who are more likely to be described as 'hard working'. Black boys and girls are more often treated as troublemakers than their white counterparts; studies have shown that they are more severely disciplined for similar behaviors , with teachers more likely to consider black males 'threatening'. This can result in a defiant attitude among black students. However, these labelling practices do not always have a detrimental effect on education: a recent study shows that black girls may adopt a counter-prestige classroom presence, answering back and challenging teachers, combining these efforts with hard work at home and as result winning good grades while remaining in good standing with their peers.